Cora ran through the hospital corridor, her heels clicking against the tile floor as she burst through the main entrance. Her eyes scanned the street, heart racing, until she saw Marceline standing alone at the sidewalk's edge, the late afternoon sun casting a warm, golden glow over her tense figure.

"Marceline!" Cora called, breathless as she hurried toward her.

Marceline turned slowly, her expression calm, but her eyes betrayed the storm swirling within her. She was hugging herself, her shoulders hunched, as though trying to shield her body from the emotional chill that clung to her.

Cora stopped just a foot away, placing herself between Marceline and the street. "Are...